The four last things viz. death, judgment, heaven, hell, practically considered and applied in…

2. Consider, this glorious Blessedness shall be the Portion of all that unfeignedly choose it, and earnestly seek it. This motive was enclosed in the first, but deserves a separate Consideration. ⟨p. 473⟩And of this we have infallible assurance from the Word of God, who cannot lie. Godliness has the Promise of the Life to come. This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation. The hope of a Christian is so certain that 'tis compared to an Anchor fastened in Heaven. And besides the Fidelity of his Word, God has given us Security of the Reward, the Life of his Son. This methinks should turn the Current of our Desires and Endeavours to Heaven. For notwithstanding all our toil and sweat, the labour of the Day and the watchings of the Night for the obtaining earthly things, yet we many times fall short of our aims and hopes. 'Twas the observation of the wisest Man, I returned and saw under the Sun, that the Race is not to the Swift, nor the Battle to the Strong, neither yet Bread to the Wise, nor yet Riches to Men of Understanding, nor yet Favour to Men of Skill; but Time and Chance happeneth to all. Indeed such is the order of Divine Providence in the World, there must be different conditions of Men here, some Rich, others Poor; some Noble, others Mean; some in Command, others in Subjection. And from hence it is also evident, that ⟨p. 474⟩neither Dignity nor Riches nor Pleasures are the Happiness of Man. For 'tis not becoming the Wisdom and Goodness of God to make that the last end of the reasonable Creature, which though sought with Sincerity and Diligence, may not be obtained, or of which without his own consent he may be deprived. But civil distinctions and qualities are of no value and consideration with respect to the obtaining or excluding from Heaven. The rich and honourable that are in an exalted State, have not a more easy ascent and entrance into the Kingdom of God than those who are in the lowest degree. The Stars appear with the same bigness to him that stands in the deepest Valley as on the highest Hill. Is there any difference between the Souls of the rich and great in the World, and the Souls of the poor and despised? Are they not equally the Off-spring of God, and equally ransomed by the most precious Blood of his Son? Are they not equally capable of Eternal Rewards?

2. Consider, this glorious Blessedness shall be the Portion of all that unfeignedly choose it, and earnestly seek it. This motive was inclosed in the first, but deserves a separate Consideration.